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SALT LAKE CITY --
Having lived in Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas, I’ve weathered hurricane-related floods, but lessons learned are applicable to any type of disaster clean-up. Clean-up from these extraordinary storms can take months.
Surprisingly, most injuries did not occur during the storm or disaster, but rather during the clean-up. Perhaps people were prepared for the impending storm, but not for the clean-up.
For example, we had to be very careful opening cabinets and small enclosed places because wild creatures. We evicted many bugs, snakes, raccoons, frogs, possums, skunks and even a few stray pets. Some situations were extremely dangerous and we were naive as far as how to handle them.
It typically takes 6-10 months for rodents to re-establish their colonies after a disaster. As the rodent population grows and resettles, people have a greater chance of being exposed to the diseases carried by rodents. -CDC
Generally, when an animal's natural habitat is disturbed it seeks new refuse.
When our gardener redid some landscaping near my home, apparently there were rats there and they relocated to my garage. Over a period of several months, I carefully trapped them with snap traps. Pest control is just that — pest control, not usually elimination.
After a flood there are many wild creatures displaced from their natural habitat and seek new environs. Structural damage will usually give them easy access.
Most pest management professionals will rodent- or animal-proof buildings or structures by sealing off all possible entry points by stuffing crevices with hardware cloth or copper mesh. Because rats nibble, they can find entry into a structure through a hole the size of a quarter.
It is also recommended to trim brush and foliage back at least 12-18 inches from a structure and, if possible, do the same from the ground to eliminate possible ground cover.
Although trees are pretty, they should not overhang buildings because they provide easy access for squirrels, raccoons, possums and rodents are climbers and acrobats.
Keeping the environment free from debris helps keep insects and wildlife under control. When there is a problem, observe what's taking place and take specific action to prevent further problems. Knowing who your wild neighbors are and their particular habits will help in planning a method to control them.
- Surviving rodents often relocate to new areas in search of food, water, and shelter.
- Removing food sources, water, and items that provide shelter for rodents is the best way to prevent contact with rodents.
- Dispose of garbage on a frequent and regular basis inside and outside of the home.
- Thoroughly clean areas with signs of rodent activity to reduce the likelihood of exposure to germs and diseases.
In my orchard, I noticed squirrels liked to walk along the ridge of a particular fence. I set tube traps anchored with bungee cords to captured them. I used bungee cords because sometimes the traps do not kill the prey and they can drag them or other animals, like coyotes or mountain lions, will drag the traps away. I’ve found some of my traps more than a half-mile away from where I set them, and some I never found at all.
When using a trapping program, check them often. It is essential for people in flood plain to have pest control materials and trapping devices on hand. Excellent resources are the Wildlife Control Supplies Company or by calling 877-684-7262. UC Davis, which has an excellent agriculture program, also has resources for pest control.
In addition to actual supplies, books and manuals are also available.
If you already have a regular pest control service, sit down with the personnel and discuss a specific plan for pest control well in advance of a disaster.
Remember, some creatures are protected by environmental, wildlife or game laws. Game wardens, forest service personnel and animal control officers can educate you with regard to specific animal and pest control problems as well as offer guidance on wildlife protection and game laws. If needed, they will also give you a special permit to capture problem animals and advice. County extension agents are also another valuable resource.
Some creatures may need to be destroyed. Some creatures cannot, nor should be, relocated or released. Your game warden or animal control person can educate you on which one those are and why.
It is wise to have a pest control plan in place, especially if there is the potential for a natural disaster like a flood or fire.
Mel Borup Chandler works in real estate investment and property management and has experienced several natural disasters, including floods and fires. He has written several articles on pest control. He can be reached at elpostozo@roadrunner.com
